NEWS
The future of beauty: personalised diagnostics, sensory experiences and emotional connection
2026 is set to be a pivotal year for the beauty industry, as personalised wellness, sensory experiences and authentic human connection redefine skincare and cosmetics.
Mintel’s 2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions highlights three key shifts: Metabolic Beauty, Sensorial Synergy and The Human Touch Revolution, all driven by consumers’ growing focus on wellness, mood and individuality.
Metabolic Beauty merges health, technology and personalisation. Advances in biomarker testing and bio-intelligent tech are making it possible for skin and hair to act as accessible biomarkers.
By 2030, moisturisers, serums and supplements may offer personalised diagnostics alongside cosmetic benefits.
For salons and spas, this means incorporating wellness data into treatments and positioning themselves as trusted advisors, offering both visible and measurable results.
Sensorial Synergy marks a move from results-led products to emotional, multi-sensory experiences. Beauty will become a mood-regulating ritual, using textures, fragrances, sound and immersive technology to create deeper connections.
Professionals who design treatments that engage the senses through scent, soundscapes or tactile elements can turn services into memorable wellbeing experiences.
Finally, The Human Touch Revolution reflects a shift away from algorithmic perfection. Consumers crave authenticity, emotion and craftsmanship.
Brands and professionals that showcase their personality, process and imperfections will foster stronger emotional connections.
Salons and spas that highlight the skill and personality of their teams will attract clients seeking emotionally resonant, personalised and authentic experiences, building loyalty in a market increasingly driven by human connection.
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Professional Beauty Group launches Regional Summits for 2026
Across April-June 2026, Professional Beauty and Hairdressers Journal International will be holding three summits across Glasgow, Birmingham and Leeds designed to support business growth and promote strategic partnerships.
These regional summits are in addition to the inaugural Salon Growth Summit taking place on March 1-2, 2026, at Olympia London.
The Regional Summits have been created to provide salon, spa and clinic owners across the country the opportunity to connect with leading brands and senior industry figures.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a professional yet informal setting, designed for productive conversations.
Each summit will feature a range of educational sessions from leading entrepreneurs, industry insiders and branding specialists, providing the perfect opportunity to level up your business.
The Glasgow Regional Summit will take place on Monday, April 27, 2026, at The Briggait, Glasgow.
The Birmingham Regional Summit will run on Monday, May 11, at Eastside Rooms, Birmingham
The Leeds Regional Summit will be held on Monday, June 8, at the Royal Armouries Museum.
Scottish Government publishes Non-Surgical Procedures Bill for beauty industry regulation
The Scottish Government has introduced the Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill, establishing a new framework to regulate non-surgical cosmetic treatments and strengthen client safety.
Published on October 8, the Bill aims to ensure treatments such as dermal fillers, microneedling and chemical peels are performed safely, by qualified practitioners and within licensed premises that meet strict hygiene standards. Key measures include:
• Ban on under-18s: Dermal fillers and strong peels will be prohibited for clients under 18.
• Mandatory licensing: Non-surgical procedures that pierce or penetrate the skin can only be carried out in licensed premises meeting new safety and hygiene rules.
• Expanded powers: The Government can amend the list of regulated procedures and set qualification requirements for practitioners. The Bill follows a consultation that reclassified several treatments, such as radiofrequency and glycolic peels, as lower risk, meaning they would not require medical oversight.
Lesley Blair MBE, chief executive of Babtac, welcomed the move, calling it “a proportionate approach to regulation without impacting client safety or professional standards”.
Once approved, the Bill will create a mandatory licensing system by May 2026, marking a major step toward consistent and safe aesthetic regulation in Scotland.
Sensitive skin in cities shows three times more inflammation than in rural areas, study finds
Urban living triggers almost three times more inflammation in people with sensitive skin compared to those in rural areas, found new research from pharmaceutical company Galderma. Presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2025 Congress, the study involved 150 women in China aged between 35 and 50 and found that participants in modern, urban environments experienced higher pollution exposure, stress and poorer sleep.
Skin samples showed that sensitive skin in cities had nearly three times higher levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) – a key inflammation marker – and a 16% increase in oxidative stress compared to non-sensitive urban skin.
Globally, up to 70% of people are affected by sensitive skin, with cases rising by 68% over the past two decades.
Dermatologist Dr Aaron Farberg said the findings provide “compelling biological evidence” that pollution, stress and poor sleep visibly aggravate sensitive skin, reinforcing the need for treatments targeting inflammation, oxidative stress and barrier repair.
News in brief
Celebrity facialist and laser expert Debbie Thomas has launched Cellis, her debut skincare brand. Drawing on over 25 years of skin health expertise and 40,000+ clinic hours, Cellis launched with a cleanser, microfibre cleansing cloths and two serums, all multifunctional products designed to simplify routines.
Salon business expert Liz McKeon has launched Aura 300, which builds AI agents designed to help businesses of all sizes grow revenue through smart automation. Aura 300 works to bring in new clients, re-engage old clients, fill in white spaces, upsell retail products and answer calls 24/7.
Dermapure hosted an “A Day with Dermapure” event to showcase its full portfolio of brands, while educating clients through talks on leadership, social media and client journeys. With strong attendance and positive feedback, the brand plans to expand the event calendar, supporting its partners with business growth opportunities.
Irish seaweed skincare brand Voya has achieved Certified B Corporation status, recognising its social and environmental standards. This certification validates the brand’s longstanding philosophy: that true luxury is built on respect for nature, people, and future generations.
Excalibur Group, owner of Wowcher and Livingsocial, has acquired spa booking platform Spabreaks.com. The move enhances Excalibur’s wellness portfolio while allowing Spabreaks.com to continue operating independently, maintaining its brand ethos and partnerships with over 560 UK spas.
MPs visit salons across the UK as part of British Beauty Week
Salon owners opened their doors to local MPs in late October to help elevate the voice of beauty within government as part of British Beauty Week 2025.
Salons and MPs participating included Rachel Blake MP visiting Haug London Haus and Margaret Dabbs in London, Jessica Morden MP visiting Hona Nails in Cardiff, and Judith Cummins MP visiting Orean in Yorkshire. Meanwhile, in Manchester, Afzal Khan MP visited a Rusholme salon and Mary Haworth Beauty Culture also secured a visit from a local MP, while in Scotland, Fiona Jackson of Diva salon in Lanarkshire got a visit from Imogen Walker, MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley.
The initiative echoes Professional Beauty’s Support Our Salons campaign, which launched last year in response to the Autumn Budget. During a iiaa webinar to promote the initiative, PB editor Eve Oxberry said, “Most people in government don’t understand the intricacies of our industry and that being a service provider in the beauty industry comes with a lot of challenges. It’s so important to get MPs face-to-face to get that across.”
British Beauty Council chief executive Millie Kendall urged salon owners to download the toolkit available on the British Beauty Council website, which includes template letters, social media assets and advice for arranging visits.
“No disrespect to politicians,” she added, “but they love a photo opportunity. Get them into your business and use that moment to tell them what really matters – from business rates to VAT and apprenticeships.” Have you had an MP visit your salon? Tell us how it went at pb.editorial@thepbgroup.com
Social media pressures driving harsh skincare trends, new UK research reveals
Social media trends such as SkinTok are fuelling growing pressure on consumers to change their appearance, with skin now ranked as the most important aspect of personal appearance, according to new UK skincare research.
The study, commissioned by skincare brand Genaura, found that 39% of people feel influenced by social media to alter how they look, with one in five admitting they use products that are too harsh for their skin.
With skin health taking centre stage, 33% of people said it is now the most important element of their appearance – ahead of body shape (23%), hair (21%), teeth (7%), clothes (8%) and make-up (6%).
Radiant skin is the ultimate goal for 61%, with almost half (47%) saying it would give them the confidence to go make-up free.
Despite this demand, one in five only began looking after their skin in their 30s or later, even though over half (54%) believe they should have started as teenagers.
The research highlights a growing link between skincare and wellbeing. Nearly three-quarters (73%) say they feel more confident when they maintain a daily routine, while 37% report improvements to their mental health.
News in brief
Grown Alchemist has joined retailer Liberty’s new Beauty Studio destination, featuring a consultation counter and complimentary hand massages – a chance for customers to test textures and formulations. A bespoke Grown Alchemist treatment menu will also be available for customers in the Queen Mary treatment room at Liberty.
The British College of Aesthetic Medicine has launched the Vet It Before You Get It campaign to give patients the opportunity to ask any difficult questions before they book a consultation, aiming to improve patient confidence and safety. The questionnaire will answer questions such as “what are the practitioner’s qualifications and registration number (GMC, GDC, or NMC)?”
Layla Tourh, founder of Beauty Boss, has launched Coach-The-Coach – a six-week certification programme designed to help beauty professionals become business mentors, blending online modules with live business coaching and an in-person experience day.
Salon software provider Zenoti has launched AI Receptionist, an always-on, AI-powered call answering and customer engagement tool. Designed to reduce missed calls and maximise bookings, it provides instant responses, real-time scheduling, and a personalised brand experience.
Advanced Nutrition Programme hosted a Biome Bootcamp in Dublin, educating skincare professionals on the gut-skin connection and the benefits of pre-,pro- and postbiotics. Over 60 attendees participated in expert-led sessions and interactive panels, and also received a preview of the brand’s festive collection.
Isamaya Ffrench predicts makeup trends into 2050
Celebrity makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench has forecasted beauty trends for the year 2050. These include:
• Iridescent mirror skin: “The complexion is hyper-reflective and luminous, echoing a world reshaped by rising temperatures and intensified sunlight,” said Ffrench.
• Absence of eyebrows: “The removal of eyebrows speaks to the fluidity of identity in 2050,” explains Ffrench. “It creates a neutral, almost alien blankness.”
• Metallic eyes: According to Ffrench’s prediction, “Molten tones reflect the metallic sheen of smart materials and tech-enhanced beauty, reminiscent of holographic interfaces and virtual avatars.”
• Thick black lashes: Ffrench said the lashes are the anchor of the look. “They’re exaggerated, graphic, and the ultimate protection for the eyes,” she added. “They evoke the 2050 reality of smart beauty prosthetics.”
So.Shell to open sixth London location
Nail and brow bar So.Shell is launching a new location, following continued success in London.
The new store will be located in Covent Garden and is set to open in mid-November. It will house 12 manicure stations and five pedicure chairs – all designed for simultaneous services – in addition to two dedicated stations for brows and lashes.
Yana Galiyeva and Maria Sharova, So.Shell owners, commented on the expansion, “To have grown from one to six successful salons in such a short time is a testament to our team’s hard work and our unique business concept.
“Each new location, including our newest opening in Covent Garden, has been carefully chosen to bring our premium service to key destinations across London.”
Dija Ayodele launches Clarity Hour coaching for skin therapists
Skincare and aesthetics expert Dija Ayodele has launched Clarity Hour, a one-to-one coaching programme for solo therapists looking to grow their business and professional skills.
It aims to provide practical guidance and personalised support to help therapists manage and grow their businesses with confidence.
After closing her London clinic West Room Aesthetics, she noticed that many independent skin therapists lacked access to ongoing professional support.
“There are so many talented therapists working alone, with no one to lean on,” she said. “After years of mentoring informally, I realised I could provide the structured support and practical advice therapists need to reach their next stage – from selecting their backbar for effective operations, improving retailing skills, positioning as an authority in the industry, or using social media to attract clients.”
News in brief
Salon software brand Phorest has released a new ebook, “Better Marketing, Together”, exploring partnership marketing for salons, spas and clinics. It introduces On Behalf Marketing (OBM), a managed co-branded marketing solution to help businesses attract new clients, boost revenue and streamline marketing.
Hyperice has partnered with Myndstream to offer recovery experiences through within its Normatec compression technology. The collaboration combines physical recovery with therapeutic audio, offering tailored sound journeys.
Mii Cosmetics supported shows at London Fashion Week, including Paul Costelloe, Maximilian Raynor and Di Petsa. Trends included pastel nails, sixties-inspired eyes, naked manicures, statement lips, modern punk designs and ethereal goddess finishes.
Dr Anjali Mahto has introduced iS Clinical as the first retail skincare brand available at her London clinic, Self London. The partnership aligns with Dr Mahto’s ethos of evidence-based skincare, offering results-driven formulations and treatments including the Fire & Ice Resurfacing Facial.
Dcypher Beauty showcased its custom-blend foundation technology direct to consumers across the UK with its Complexion Concierge Roadshow. With the brand usually only available online, the roadshow enabled live shade-matching consultations for the first time, as well as bespoke product sampling and competitions.
World Wellness Weekend 2025 celebrated across 187 countries
World Wellness Weekend returned from September 19-21 for its ninth edition in what was a record-breaking weekend for the not-for-profit event – with activities running in 2,012 cities across 187 countries.
The event was launched in 2017 to make wellness activities accessible to a wider demographic, and centres on five pillars: sleep and creativity, nutrition and immunity, movement and vitality, mindfulness and serenity, and purpose and solidarity.
Tokyo, São Paulo and Málaga were announced as the top three cities leading the charge, with the most venues participating throughout the weekend.
The initiative’s founder Jean-Guy de Gabriac said, “World Wellness Weekend is growing stronger each year, showing that wellness is best when shared with family, friends, colleagues and underserved communities.
“This year’s record-breaking edition proves that people across cultures and continents are eager to make wellbeing a priority for themselves and those around them.”
Medica Forte now owned outright by nurse Kelly Saynor
Kelly Saynor, RN, INP, and clinical director, is now the sole owner and director of Medica Forte and Renew Medical Aesthetics, following the departure of co-founder Justin Saynor.
“This transition isn’t simply about new leadership, it’s about elevating our standards,” said Kelly Saynor. “I am dedicated to creating a stronger, more transparent, and forward-thinking business that supports our practitioners, patients, and partners worldwide.”
The company will undertake a full brand and product evolution to reflect Saynor’s passion for science-backed, multi-ingredient blends and the integration of regenerative treatments.
Following the announcement, Medica Forte is now a 100% women-owned and led business.
CACI partners with at-home treatments service provider Ruuby
CACI has partnered with at-home beauty and wellness treatment service Ruuby. The collaboration will see CACI’s Micro-Pro treatments available to Ruuby clients.
“We are delighted to introduce the CACI professional portable Micro-Pro device to a curated team of Ruuby professionals, and subsequently to their discerning client base,” said Dean Nathanson, managing director of CACI.
“This portable innovation brings the iconic CACI Microcurrent Non-Surgical Face toning, Line Refining and Hand rejuvenation treatments directly into homes, luxury hotels and event spaces. It’s the perfect addition to Ruuby’s on-demand offering – combining innovation, luxury and accessibility.”
Diary dates
// November 9
Babtac & Cibtac Awards
The Fairmont Windsor Park
Awards celebrating practitioners, salons, spas and educators.
01452 623110
babtac.com
// January 29-31
IMCAS World Congress
Palais des Congrès de Paris, Paris
International expo covering aesthetic procedures.
+33 (0) 140 738 282
imcas.com/en
// February 2-3
Professional Beauty Dubai
Festival Arena, Dubai
The biggest industry event in Dubai, featuring live stages and competitions.
+971 (0) 4375 7300
professionalbeauty.ae
// March 1
Professional Beauty Awards
The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London
Awards for beauty, spa, nails and aesthetics businesses and professionals, recognising excellence.
020 7351 0536
professionalbeauty.co.uk/awards
// March 1-2
Salon Growth Summit
Olympia London
Connect with salon and spa owners committed to business growth, meet key decision makers and hear from world-class speakers.
020 7351 0536
professionalbeauty.co.uk/summit
// April 27
Glasgow Regional Summit
The Briggait, Glasgow
Explore new products, services, and partnerships that can help you grow and stay competitive in the UK market.
020 7351 0536
professionalbeauty.co.uk/regional-growth-summits